Later this week the Heisman Trophy will add one new member to the most exclusive fraternity in sports. It is widely expected that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota will hear his name announced as the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, which would make him the first player in program history to win the highest individual honor in college football.

This week’s slate of conference championship games not only serves as an appetizer or opening round to the College Football Playoff, but it doubles as the grand stage for this year’s top Heisman candidates to showcase their stuff and perhaps offer a signature Heisman moment before the votes are due.

If you are looking for this year’s young rising star with a shot to win the Heisman Trophy, look no further than Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett. The freshman starting quarterback has stepped into a tough spot and has grown and matured along the way with terrific results.

This week, Melvin Gordon leads the Wisconsin running game against another Heisman candidate and his ground game, Nebraska and Ameer Abdullah. The running back showcase should double as this week’s Heisman Trophy Spotlight Game.

Auburn has three Heisman Trophy winners in school history. Quarterback Nick Marshall is a rising candidate in this year’s race, and signature moments in November could end up naming him the fourth Auburn player as the Heisman Trophy winner.